Tell us about yourself and your jobs.
I am Kanu Aggarwal and professionally I am a VIT registered teacher. I taught in special schools and in prison as well. I am now teaching vocational courses to adult students such as childcare and disability courses.
What do you love the most about your jobs?
Teaching vocational courses to adult students in fields like childcare and disability has been an incredibly rewarding journey for me. I am deeply committed to guiding my students on their career paths, offering support and encouragement every step of the way. The most heart-warming moments are when my students reach out to share their successes. When they call to tell me personally that they’ve secured a job, it fills my heart with immense joy and pride. These moments remind me of the profound impact we can have on each other’s lives and reaffirm why I am so passionate about what I do. Their achievements are my greatest reward, and I am honoured to be part of their journey.
What has been your most memorable moment during your jobs?
I had a student who approached me wanting to enrol in a course. I guided her, and she was initially very enthusiastic about it. However, after a few days, she called me and said, “Teacher, I can’t continue this course”. I was surprised and wondered why this girl, who was so excited to take the course, suddenly wanted to drop out.
Taking a personal initiative, I asked her what had happened. She explained that she was facing issues at home. Her partner didn’t want her to take the course and was demotivating her, saying that she wouldn’t be able to do it because she didn’t know how to use a computer. This revelation shook me deeply, almost as if it was a personal attack on me.
I told her, “Don’t worry. If you want to take this course, it’s your choice. I’ll help you. I’ll teach you how to use a computer and guide you step by step. Don’t stress about it. I’m ready to help you if you decide to do it. Don’t let yourself be demotivated by thoughts like ‘I can’t do it’ or ‘I’m worthless’. You can do this.”
With my encouragement, she called me again after a couple of days and said, “Madam, I’m ready to take the course if you will help me.” I assured her that I would support her. Over the course of a year, I helped her at every step. I even told her that if she encountered any obstacles, she could call or message me without hesitation.
As time passed, she continued her course, and finally, she completed it and received her certificate. She called me, crying, and said, “Ma’am, I received my certificate today”. I couldn’t help but cry with her. It was a moment I will never forget in my life.
If you were an animal, what animal would you be?
I would be a fish as I would have the entire ocean to explore, witnessing its beauty and diversity, and connecting myself with nature.
What were you like as a kid?
Visiting my grandmother and playing with my cousins.
What event, past or present, would you like to witness?
I’d rather go to the future to witness my brother become a successful lawyer and my children achieve their dreams and grow into responsible, accomplished individuals.
Which six dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?
My sister, my brother, my friend who lives in Canada, my grandmother and my cousins.
What three words would your friends use to describe you?
I was studious as a child. I liked to spend so much of my time in the library that my friends used to call me “Library”.
What would you do on your perfect ‘day off’?
Cooking with my family, watching latest movie and sleeping.
Where is your happy place?
My home.
If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook?
Malai Paneer (Cottage Cheese with Cream).
Where is your dream holiday destination?
Mauritius.
